A new list of the top cities in the world for international travelers from the U.S. gives the inside edge to Portugal, with Spain coming in second. Coming in at number one (a tie, actually) were Lisbon, and Porto, Portugal. I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Porto, but I love Lisbon, which has fabulous food and great neighbourhoods to explore, including the vibrant Aflama district. There also are great beaches. Spain had two cities in the top 10; Madrid and Seville. Sadly, I haven’t been to either. The authors created a list of 40 major cities around the world, Read more
festivals
One of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Engaging locals. And, coming soon, what looks like one of the most spectacular golf courses on the planet. There are so many great things to see and do on Saint Lucia, one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Senior representatives of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority rolled into Toronto recently for a rooftop lunch at 1 Hotel Toronto to show off what’s great and new on the island, and I was given a one-on-one interview with Tourism Minister (and Deputy Prime Minister) Dr. Ernest Hilaire and tourism authority CEO Read more
Atlantic Canada is filled with autumn experiences that will leave visitors transformed by the region’s beauty, food and culture. Despite recent extreme weather events, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia remain open for business and eager to welcome visitors to experience the East Coast’s seasonal delights. Here’s your checklist of must-do activities in the coming months: New Brunswick Fun times on the Fundy – See fall’s ever-shifting hues on a road trip through the spectacular Fundy Coast. Here, the world’s highest tides, charming communities and a dramatic coastline make for a delightful drive. Allot seven to 10 days to explore the Read more
WestJet says leisure travel is at or above 2019 levels, and that small-to-medium sized companies are back to flying for business. Speaking to OpenJaw.com, Chuck Crowder, WestJet’s Vice President Sales and Distribution, said Canadians flocked to Europe this summer and that leisure/vacation travel was at or above 2019 levels for the Calgary-based company. “Travel is back in Canada,” he said. Crowder said large, multi-national companies haven’t fully returned to the market, but that small and medium-sized companies are booking business travel at rates similar, or even exceeding, 2019 levels. Crowder said Canadians who want to book winter packages with WestJet Read more
Travel Notes: Swoop Airlines Adds Varadero, Cuba, Plus A Vegas Tourism Boom + Hawai’i Fall Festivals
Canadians are getting more flight options for Cuba, Florida and Mexico. Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, has expanded its winter schedule with new routes, more frequencies and new service to Cuba. Swoop will begin its seasonal, non-stop service between Toronto (YYZ) and Varadero (VRA) on January 11, 2023, and fares are starting as low as $189 one-way. “We’re thrilled to be announcing an expansion in the Caribbean, adding Varadero to our growing list of vacation destinations,” said Tia McGrath, Leader, Distribution and Sales. “Cuba tops the list for Ontarians seeking an affordable beach getaway and we’re proud to reaffirm our Read more
